Tributes To Judith Lane

On Saturday, Judith Lane waved goodbye to Oldham Athletic after 25 years of service to the football club.

Taken from Saturday's matchday programme against Crawley Town, here are a selection of tributes from past and present managers about a tremendous lady who gave her all to the football club.

Lee Johnson:

"Judith is a lovely, lovely lady and a true professional. She has made my integration into the club so smooth and she will be greatly missed by everyone. However Judith has decided that the time is right to spend more time with her family and to call time on a fantastic career at Oldham Athletic.

"All the mangement, players and backroom staff wish her well and we will see you in the stand at the next home game!"

Neil Joy:

"There is no one quite like Judith Lane. In all the time I have known her I have never once seen her angry or flustered in any situation. Friend, colleague, counsellor, Judith is a just a lovely lady who has served the club with dedication and without fuss or favour.

"Always smiling, always prepared to go the extra mile to help fellow staff and supporters alike she has become a part of the fabric of the club. A true unsung heroine, I know of no one who deserves to enjoy a long and happy retirement more."

Joe Royle:

"There is a saying that 'you never get a second chance, to make a first impression' and Judith has been making a wonderful first impression on callers these past 25 years, whether as first point of contact at the club, a smiling face in the ticket office, or more recently as PA to Chief Exec, Neil Joy.

"I cant remember Judith having a bad day, throwing a strop or ever upsetting anyone. Our club has always had a friendly reputation in football and Judith played a major part in maintaining that reputation.

"Thank you Judith and enjoy your well earned retirement. For the good times. xx"

John Sheridan:

"Judith, you guided me through the rocky waters in my first job as a manager with Oldham Athletic and now you are 'calling time' on one of the toughest jobs in football. We as managers receive the the plaudits, leaving you with all the paperwork!"

"I hope you have a long and happy retirement, no-one deserves it more. Best wishes to you and your family from here in Devon."

Andy Ritchie:

"One of the first people I met when I joined Oldham Athletic as a player in 1987 was Judith. She was so pleasant and helpful from that day until the day I left the football club nearly thirteen years later. It always helps to have someone who is a genuine fan of the team as an employee and Judith certainly is that!

"As you all know we had some unbelievable times in that thirteen years that we shall never forget but in 1998 our relationship changed dramatically when I became manager.

"Well i say changed - I mean it became better - we became a great partnership and Judith was a fantastic PA, a real pleasure to work with, always hardworking, conscientious, very knowledgable of all things football and a real pleasure to work with from day to day, always with a smile on her face and a great sense of humour.

"To my mind all football clubs need a Judith and most certainly Oldham Athletic will be worse off for her not being there."